Cassava is the third most important source of human calories after rice and maize, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, so when 60% of crops in Africa are lost due to disease, warning bells sound.

The ICMM’s work on cystic fibrosis diagnosis epitomises its bedside-to-bench approach to research, which works well in countries like South Africa where the disease burden is high and resources are limited.

Jabbing yourself with a hypodermic needle stings, but countless diabetic patients today live with the reality of this thorn in their side. Luckily, University of KwaZulu-Natal researchers are working on replacing the needle with a painless dermal patch that releases insulin directly into the skin.

Elephant populations have become a major problem in several of South Africa’s national parks. To help solve the problem, the CSIR is working on a harmless biological method of elephant contraception.

Welcome to the Public Understanding of Biotechnology

The Department of Science and Technology has launched a Public Understanding of Biotechnology (PUB) programme to ensure a clear, balanced understanding of the scientific principles, related issues and potential of biotechnology and to stimulate public debate around its applications in society.

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Biotech in Business

A complex, interlinked challenge such as wastewater treatment needs innovative solutions that are not going to come from the straight-line thinkers that view wastewater as merely an environmental problem. Read More